I’ve had a lot of people ask me lately about the way I approach life, lacrosse, and how I keep going day after day, even when it’s hard. And sometimes, the easiest way to explain it is with something as simple as this: biceps are for show, triceps are for dough. Let me explain.

The Flex Is Just the Surface

Yeah, I’ll admit it — I check myself out in the mirror sometimes. Not because I’m vain, but because it’s where I can track my progress, see my commitment, and yes, once in a while, feel a little pride in how far I’ve come.

But here’s the thing most people miss: those flashy muscles, the ones people notice — your biceps, your abs, your chest — they’re not the ones doing the real work. They’re nice. They turn heads. Maybe they even land you on TV or in a highlight reel. But that’s all surface.

It’s the triceps — the muscles on the back of your arms — that carry the load. They’re the ones that push, that grind, that work. And that’s the metaphor I live by.

Triceps Pay the Bills

For me, triceps are the blue-collar muscles. The ones that get no glory but make everything happen. They keep the roof over my family’s head. They put food on the table. They do the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting that nobody sees, but everybody benefits from.

And that’s how I view life.

I’d rather be the guy who shows up, who pushes through, who lifts when nobody’s watching — than the one flexing for attention. Because in the end, it’s not what you look like that defines your legacy. It’s what you do.

“Don’t Half-Ass It”

I live by this rule. If you’re going to do something — anything — don’t half-ass it. Whether it’s showing up for your family, working on your craft, building your business, or taking care of your health, it demands full effort.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

Give it everything you’ve got, or don’t bother starting. The world doesn’t need more people doing things halfway. It needs people who are willing to break a sweat, stay late, fall down and get back up, again and again.

Stop Saying “I Can’t”

Another thing I’ve learned the hard way: “can’t” is a dead-end word.

If you say you can’t do something, you’ve already closed the door on possibility. But most of the time, the truth isn’t that you can’t — it’s that you don’t know how yet, or you’re afraid to try.

There’s no shame in struggling. There’s no weakness in asking for help. The only failure is staying stuck and refusing to move forward. There’s a solution out there if you’re willing to look for it, ask the right questions, and get your hands dirty.

Earn It Every Day

Work ethic isn’t something you put on once and then forget about. It’s not a trophy on a shelf. It’s something you earn, build, and reaffirm every single day.

Sometimes that means grinding when you don’t feel like it. Other times, it means resting smart so you can go again tomorrow. It means knowing the difference between excuses and reasons, between being tired and being lazy.

And it means holding yourself accountable.

Flex Quietly, Work Loudly

At the end of the day, I’ll take a strong work ethic over strong arms any time. Because while people are out there flexing in the mirror, I’m out here moving the needle — building something real for the people who depend on me.

Let the flashy stuff get the likes. I’ll stick to what works.

So if you’re wondering what drives me — why I show up the way I do, why I push my kids, my teammates, myself — it’s because I believe in the work. I believe in doing it right. I believe in showing up like it matters.

Because it does.